When Rangers missed out on Lewis Ferguson there were plenty in the Ibrox camp who knew we’d live to rue the day.
The Bologna midfielder might’ve have donned the red of Aberdeen but make no mistake, Ferguson’s blood is a blue as dad Derek’s and uncle Barry’s.
Having just been named the best midfielder in Italy after a stellar Serie A season, £22m links to the likes of Juventus have left Rangers feeling a little sick.
It’s a familiar feeling too for our Old Firm rivals who still lament a failure to sign Scotland international John McGinn before a switch to Champions League-bound Aston Villa.
We hear a lot that the club needs to sign the best homegrown options and whilst Lewis Ferguson has seen his time in Italy interrupted by a serious injury, there can be no doubts about the midfielder’s credentials.
It’s been a harsh lesson for Rangers but as the club ups the ante in the transfer market it very much appears like it’s one we’ve learned from.
Rangers ready Aberdeen Barron blow
When ex-Aberdeen captain Ryan Jack chose to move to Rangers, it really did scar the Pittodrie support.
Having never forgave the influential Ibrox midfielder for the move, the boos rang out from the Tartan Army to Union Street any time Jacko was within earshot.
Now, just weeks on from Jack leaving Rangers despite earning a Scotland Euro 2024 call, it looks like the Gers are going to inflict yet more pain on the Aberdeen faithful.
According to the Daily Record and Scott Burns, Rangers have upped their offer to out-of-contract Scotland U21 international midfielder Connor Barron.
This follows on from claims last week that the player had chosen to move to Rangers with his current deal up at Pittodrie.
The comparisons with Jack are certainly easy to make but should Rangers pull a deal off, the club will reportedly pip teams from Italy and England/Wales to the player’s signature.
It suggests not only that Rangers have given the kid assurances over his progression and opportunities in Glasgow.
But also that the club have noted the success of the likes of Lewis Ferguson and Josh Doig – both players within reach at Ibrox – after making a move out of Scotland.
Gers learn harsh homegrown transfer lesson
Having lost Ryan Jack, if Rangers can get a deal for Connor Barron over the line then it will solve a growing homegrown dilemma for Philippe Clement.
UEFA squads demand at least eight homegrown players in a squad of 25, with four of those to be homegrown at each specific club.
Homegrown is defined as spending at least three years training in a country, or at a club, before their 21st birthday.
But beyond just UEFA rules the likes of homegrown ex-Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson have explicitly talked up the move because Barron is a good player.
There is talent in Scotland, as the development of Lewis Ferguson has proven, and Rangers need to be targeting the best players coming out of the country.
Let’s hope this is the beginning of the club taking that policy more seriously with Connor Barron edging closer to a switch.
It’s just a big bonus that it’ll leave every Aberdeen fan sick before the season has even kicked off.
